Ferry Hirtshals Kristiansand with a dog

Taking your dog on the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand? Each ferry operator has its own rules for dogs, and Norway has its own entry requirements on top of that. On this page you will find the rules per operator and per ship, what Norway requires, and how to choose the crossing that suits your dog best.

Quick overview

• Color Line (SuperSpeed 1): your dog stays in the car or in a kennel on the car deck for the whole crossing.
• Fjord Line (Fjord FSTR): your dog stays in the car, or you can take it to the outdoor deck or the aft lounge.
• Fjord Line (MS Stavangerfjord / MS Bergensfjord): car, kennel or a dog-friendly cabin, plus an exercise deck at the stern.
• Always: register your dog when you book.

Dog rules with Color Line

Travelling with Color Line between Hirtshals and Kristiansand? These are the main rules for the crossing on the Color Line SuperSpeed 1:

• Dogs can only travel if they were registered when booking
• Your dog stays in the car or in a kennel on the car deck for the entire crossing (limited number of kennels)
• Dogs are not allowed in passenger areas or cabins
• Your dog relieves itself in the car or kennel, and you clean up afterwards

Dog rules with Fjord Line

With Fjord Line, the rules depend on the ship on your sailing.

Fjord FSTR

• Add your dog in advance as “Pet in car”
• Your dog stays in the car, or you take it with you to the outdoor deck or the lounge at the stern. The car deck is closed during the crossing, so you cannot visit your dog there
• Dogs are not allowed in other areas of the ship, and you are responsible for your dog at all times
• The Fjord FSTR is seasonal: in 2026 it sails from 27 March to 20 September

MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord

• Add your dog in advance (car, kennel or cabin)
• Your dog stays in the car, in a kennel or in a dog-friendly cabin (cabins can only be booked by phone)
• There is an exercise deck at the stern
• Water is available, but bring your own bowl
• Poop bags are mandatory
• Dogs are not allowed in public areas (assistance dogs excepted)

More about these ships: MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord.

Norwegian rules for travelling with a dog

When you arrive in Kristiansand, Norwegian rules apply. The main points:

• Your dog needs a pet passport, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination recorded in the passport
• Dogs must be treated against tapeworm before entering Norway, and the treatment must be recorded in the passport by a vet
• Norway has a leash obligation, which applies nationally at least from 1 April to 20 August; many municipalities have stricter local rules
• Import of the following breeds is banned: Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro and Tosa Inu, including crossbreeds of these breeds and wolf hybrids
• Visit your vet well before the trip to check that everything is in order

If these requirements are not met, your dog can be refused entry into Norway. Always check the latest rules with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog stay with me during the crossing?

With Color Line, no: your dog stays on the car deck. With Fjord Line you have more options: on the FSTR your dog can join you on the outdoor deck or in the aft lounge, and on MS Stavangerfjord and MS Bergensfjord you can book a dog-friendly cabin.

Can I visit my dog on the car deck?

Access to the car deck is restricted while sailing. On the FSTR the car deck is closed during the crossing.

Do I have to book my dog in advance?

Yes. Both operators require you to register your dog when booking. Kennels and dog-friendly cabins are limited, so book early. Check availability →

Rules can change. Always check the latest conditions on the websites of Color Line and Fjord Line before you travel.